2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET overheating

X
Push DYNAMIC SELECT switch :forwards
or backwards until the desired drive program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown on the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are shown briefly on the multimedia system
display.
i In a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is deactivated at the factory due to the
quality of the available fuel. In this case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available in any
drive program, regardless of what is shown on
the multimedia system display.
Available drive programs: I
Individual Individual settings
S+
Sport Plus Particularly sporty driving
characteristics
S
Sport Sporty driving characteris-
tics
C
Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
E
Economy Particularly economical
driving characteristics
Additional information on drive programs for:
R vehicles with manual transmission
(Y page 144)
R vehicles with automatic transmission
(Y page 148)
Vehicles with automatic transmission: you
can also shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. Further information on
manual gearshifting (Y page 150).Manual transmission
Gear lever
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is
depressed.
! When shifting between
5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all the
way to the right. Otherwise, you could shift
unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear and dam-
age the transmission. If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-
mission braking), this can cause the engine to
overrev, leading to engine damage.
Do not use the clutch bite point to keep the
vehicle stationary on uphill gradients. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the clutch.
! On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift into gear 1, 2or3in good time.
This uses the engine's braking effect. This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly. k
Reverse gear
1 -6
Forward gears Shifting to neutral N
X
Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift the gear lever to position N:. Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear
Rwhen the vehi-
cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the transmission. Manual transmission
143Driving and parking Z

note of this when driving a laden vehicle and
when towing a trailer.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC is activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain vehicle
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do
not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a
short while. This allows the airflow to cool the
brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effectiveness.
To do this, brake more firmly from a higher
speed while paying attention to the traffic con-
ditions. This improves the grip of the brakes.
Wet road surfaces If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after a car wash or
after driving through deep water.
You will have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion. Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer of salt
may form on the brake discs and pads. This can
increase the braking distance considerably.
R In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal at the end
of the journey and when starting the next
journey.
R Maintain a much greater distance to the vehi-
cle in front.
New brake discs and brake pads/
linings Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new
or have been replaced achieve optimum braking
effect only after several hundred kilometres of
driving. Compensate for the reduced braking
effect by applying greater force to the brake
pedal.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only fitting the following brake discs and brake pads/linings:
R brake discs that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
R brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake discs or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake discs and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always fit
new brake pads/linings when replacing brake
discs.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
discs to which the wheel assembly with rim and threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake discs other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz may alter track
width and is subject to approval, if applicable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake discs, particularly on the
brake plate. Driving tips
165Driving and parking Z

You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,
steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission: shift
to neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position
N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Further information on driving with snow chains
(Y page 345).
Further information on driving with summer
tyres (Y page 344).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (Y page 344). Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought-out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
(Y page 66). Cruise control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. Shift to a lower gear in
good time on long and steep downhill gradients.
Take particular note of this when driving a laden vehicle and when towing a trailer. By doing so,
you will make use of the braking effect of the
engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions are appropriate for maintaining a steadyspeed for a prolonged period. You can store anyroad speed above 30 km/h. If you have set a
permanent limit speed, you cannot set the
speed any higher than the fixed limit speed
(Y page 171).
Important safety notes Cruise control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident if you fail to adapt your driving style nor
override the laws of physics. Cruise control can- not take into account road, weather or traffic
conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are
responsible for maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for brak-
ing in good time and for staying in lane.
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions that do not allow
you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads.
R on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-
erating can cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow.
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the speed stored. Driving systems
167Driving and parking Z

Setting a speed
Bear in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the set speed.
X Press the cruise control lever up :for a
higher speed or down ?for a lower speed.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until the
desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.
X To adjust the set speed in1 km/hincre-
ments:
briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ?to the pressure point.
The last stored speed increases or decreases
in 1 km/h increments.
X To adjust the set speed in10 km/hincre-
ments: briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ?beyond the pressure point.
The last stored speed increases or decreases
in 10 km/h increments.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you acceler-
ate to overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after
you have finished overtaking.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise con-
trol:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards
B.
or
X Brake.
or
X Briefly move the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow A.
Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM indi-
cator lamp ;in the cruise control lever is on.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: R you apply the electric parking brake
R you are driving at less than 30 km/h
R ESP ®
engages or you deactivate ESP ®
R while driving a vehicle with manual transmis-
sion, you engage neutral or depress the clutch
pedal for longer than six seconds R
on vehicles with manual transmission, you
shift to a gear that is too high, and as a result
the engine speed is too low
R in vehicles with automatic transmission, you
shift to position Nwhile driving
If cruise control is deactivated, a warning tone
sounds. You will see the Cruise control off
Cruise control off
message on the multifunction display for
approximately five seconds. The message on
the multifunction display disappears and the
segments on the speedometer go out.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine. SPEEDTRONIC
General notes SPEEDTRONIC is used to set a speed limit for
your vehicle. If the vehicle speed exceeds the
set speed limit, SPEEDTRONIC brakes automat-
ically. Shift to a lower gear in good time on long and steep downhill gradients. Take particular
note of this when driving a laden vehicle and
when towing a trailer. By doing so, you will make
use of the braking effect of the engine. This
relieves the load on the brake system and pre-
vents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Important safety notes SPEEDTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of an
accident if you fail to adapt your driving style nor
override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC
cannot take into account road, weather or traffic
conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You
are responsible for maintaining a safe distance
from the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for
braking in good time and for staying in lane.
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
You can set a variable or permanent limit speed:
R variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up areas
R permanent for long-term speed restrictions,
e.g. when driving with winter tyres fitted
(Y page 171)
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the limit speed stored. Driving systems
169Driving and parking Z

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different to when driving
without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes Towing a trailer is not possible with
Mercedes
‑AMG vehicles.
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load. Further information on the tyre pres-
sure table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 345).
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (Y page 369).
Driving tips Observe the information on ESP
®
trailer stabili-
sation (Y page 75).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-
missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (Y page 369). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the car/trailer combination may not exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the maximum
permissible speed for car/trailer combinations
is greater than 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different to when driving
without a trailer and the vehicle will consume
more fuel.
Shift to a lower gear in good time on long and
steep downhill gradients.
This also applies in the case of:
R activated DISTRONIC PLUS
R activated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain the
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine, and conse-
quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility from a standstill, decrease with increas- ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate under any circumstances.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake, if necessary. Folding the ball coupling in/out
Folding out the ball coupling G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident. 214
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

The segments between the speed of the vehi-
cle in front and the stored speed light up. Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range. Doing
so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the measured air temperature
and not the road surface temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (Y page 222).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The coolant temperature display is shown in the lower section of the rev counter (Y page 35).
At high outside temperatures and when driving
in mountainous terrain, the coolant temperature
may rise to the end of the scale.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant level, the display may rise to
120 †. Operating the on-board computer
:
Multifunction display
; Right control panel
= Left control panel
X To activate the on-board computer: switch
on the power supply.
Vehicles with manual transmission: if you
remove the key, then quickly re-insert it and turn
it to position 1, the instrument cluster and, as a
result, the on-board computer as well are not
activated.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Left control panel ò R
Opens the menu list 9
: Press briefly:
R Scrolls through lists
R Selects a menu or function
R In the Radio Radio orMedia
Media menu:
opens the track or station list and
selects a station, an audio track or a video scene
R In the Telephone Telephone menu: switches
to the phone book and selects a
name or a telephone number Displays and operation
221On-board computer and displays Z

Engine compartment
Bonnet
Important safety notes G
WARNING
An unlocked bonnet may open up when the
vehicle is in motion and block your view. There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlock the bonnet when driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the bonnet is locked. G
WARNING
When being opened and closed, the bonnet
may suddenly fall into the closed position.
There is a risk of injury to persons in the range of movement of the bonnet.
Open and close the bonnet only when nobody
is in the range of movement. G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade. G
WARNING
There are moving components in the engine
compartment. Certain components may con-
tinue to move or suddenly move again even
after the ignition has been switched off, e.g.
the radiator fan. There is a risk of injury.
If you have to carry out work in the engine
compartment:
R switch off the ignition
R never touch the dangerous areas surround-
ing moving components, e.g. the rotation
area of the fan R
remove jewellery and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts.
Active bonnet (pedestrian protection) Operating principle
! An active bonnet that had been triggered
must be repaired at a qualified specialist
workshop. The active bonnet function will
then be available again. The additional pedes- trian protection provided by the active bonnet
will then be restored.
The active bonnet is available only in certain
countries.
The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians in certain accident situations. Rais-
ing the active bonnet increases the clearance to hard components, such as the engine.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, it is
raised at the rear in the area around the hinges by approximately 80 mm. The active bonnet is
triggered by pyrotechnics.
For the drive to the workshop, reset the trig-
gered active bonnet yourself. If the active bon-
net has been triggered, pedestrian protection
may be limited.
Resetting G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. 308
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Engine oil
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the components descri- bed in the following. G
WARNING
There are moving components in the engine
compartment. Certain components may con-
tinue to move or suddenly move again even
after the ignition has been switched off, e.g.
the radiator fan. There is a risk of injury.
If you have to carry out work in the engine
compartment:
R switch off the ignition
R never touch the dangerous areas surround-
ing moving components, e.g. the rotation
area of the fan
R remove jewellery and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil does not spill out
over the filler neck. Allow the engine to cool
down and thoroughly clean the components
that have come into contact with engine oil
before you start the engine. G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury. Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
General notes Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.8 l of oil per 1000 km. The oil
consumption may be higher than this when the
vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high
engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may beinstalled at different locations.
To check the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface
R the engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature
R All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG C 63
and Mercedes ‑AMG C 63 S):if the engine is
not at normal operating temperature, e.g. if
the engine was started only briefly, wait
approximately 30 minutes before carrying out the measurement
Mercedes ‑AMG C 63 and Mercedes ‑AMG C
63 S: The oil level must only be checked when
the engine is at normal operating temperature.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick Check the oil level with the oil dipstick (exam-
ple)
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.310
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care